Non Hodgkin Lymphoma Essay

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“Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system; this system fights off viruses and bacterias. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes (lymph glands), spleen, thymus gland and bone marrow. Lymphoma can affect all these areas as well as other organs throughout the body”. (Mayo Clinic 2016) There are two types of Lymphoma: hodgkins and non-hodgkin's. “The major difference between the two types of lymphoma; is that Hodgkin’s lymphoma is easier to treat with chemotherapy and radiotherapy while Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is harder to treat, but is possible” (Bingham 2010). The most common lymphoma type is non-hodgkins which also runs in my family history.
“The cause of non-hodgkin’s lymphoma is yet unknown. Although, it occurs when too many white …show more content…

The first step for a diagnosis is a physical examination of your lymph nodes which is conducted by a doctor; this process is very simple, the doctor will feel your lymph nodes for any swelling or bumps. The doctor will then take blood and urine samples and check for any abnormalities. Many imaging tests can be conducted such as computerized tomography scan (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography scan (PET). These scans allow the doctor to look more in depth and give the patient the correct diagnosis. Another way to diagnose lymphoma is a sample of your lymph node; during this procedure the patient will be put under anesthesia and have an incision made where the lump is and a sample will be removed for further testing. Lastly, a bone marrow biopsy can be conducted to look for any cancerous cells in your blood cells located in the bone tissue. (Mayo Clinic 2016) In 1994, a new method was a new beginning to diagnose non-hodgkin’s lymphoma, “it was named the Revised European-American Classification of Lymphoid Neoplasms (REAL classification). World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumors of Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues was an effort that involved 138 authors and two clinical advisory committees consisting of 62 clinical specialists with expertise in myeloid and lymphoid disorders”. (Tomislav Meštrović …show more content…

I think scientists and doctors are looking for faster treatment process. For example, the target therapy only kills cancerous cells and does not affect healthy cells compared to standard chemotherapy (American Cancer Society 2016). Lymphoma treatments have and will continue to improve efficiently based off of personal experience. My mother had lymphoma in 1999 the year I was born which is seventeen years from now. When she got treatment there was an open port in her neck; seventeen years later my little brother got the same cancer. My brother also had a port, but his was located on his chest under his skin. (Chavez Mendoza 2016) The treatment for lymphoma has improved very quickly; scientists and doctors will continue to find similar treatment options, so that people can have a speedy

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